The Zealous Israel Project

January 20, 2015

by: Rebecca Verbeten, Zealous8:2 Coordinator

Servanthood–based Discipleship, Where Discipleship Began

Over 2,000 years ago a carpenter from Nazareth left His home and called unto Himself 12 men to walk in His footsteps, to cling to His every word. In the tradition of all Jewish disciples of that day, these men would begin to walk out the teachings of their rabbi. The result of those 12 heeding the call of their teacher, Yeshua (Jesus), set in motion a chain of events which would leave the entire world changed forever.

At Bridges for Peace we recognize the power of raising up a few to impact a generation and maybe even to transform the Church for generations to come.

This August, ten young people from around the world will embark on the journey of a lifetime. For one year their lives will be devoted to blessing the Jewish people in Israel as they serve full-time in one of the many projects of Bridges for Peace. Through practical deeds expressing God’s love and mercy, they will become building blocks of reconciliation between Christians and Jews. Their own lives will be altered for eternity as they walk in the footsteps of the patriarchs, kings, prophets, warriors, winners and losers, and Yeshua Himself; all the while receiving in-depth teaching with practical application.

The young people who fill these ten limited spaces will receive fresh revelation of God and His Word as they partner with God in fulfilling His promises to the nation and people of Israel. What might be considered natural anywhere else in the world will become supernatural as the Bible jumps off the pages, captivates all five senses, and becomes living and active in common, everyday situations and activities.

They will experience firsthand the fulfillment of the words of Isaiah, Ezekiel and Zechariah as they interact with the returned exiles from the former Soviet Union, Ethiopia, all over North and South America—literally from the ends of the earth. In their daily lives they will walk both the modern and ancient streets of Jerusalem as they travel to and from their jobs, shop for their groceries, connect with friends and strangers, and enjoy the many cultural events and activities offered in the City of the Great King.

The heart of God is to see a generation of young people encounter Him in His entirety, to know the whole truth of His Word, to love what He loves, hate what He hates, and pour out their lives following fervently after Him. The Zealous Israel Project aims to join with God in producing such a generation. Through the daily life experiences gained here in Israel, living in community with like-hearted believers, biblical teaching, and relevant application, members of the team that God is assembling will be empowered and equipped to be a solid voice for God and for Zion as they venture into their futures.

If you or someone you know between the ages of 18 and 30 is interested in spending a year abroad serving, learning, and growing, the Zealous Israel Project is the perfect opportunity!

Leaving a Legacy

An old man walked a long and faithful road. He was a giver. He was a lover. He was a fighter. Many times he found himself standing before a friend offering words of hope and wisdom in the midst of tragedy. Many times he found himself contending for justice when a silent victim could barely stand, let alone utter a muted whisper. He trudged through valleys, sprinted along the highways and danced on mountaintops. He lived the life of a champion and a friend. At the end of his days he stood before a mirror and etched upon his weathered face were lines that told the story of his laughter, sorrow and grit.

A young man walked a long and secure road. He was blessed. He was loved. He was shielded. Often times he found himself grasping for the right words to comfort a friend. He would open his mouth to hear the words of the old man leave his lips. He looked helplessly upon the outcast and wayward, paused and inhaled the strength he witnessed repeatedly in the old man, and extended his hand and his voice in their defense. When the valleys were low he remembered it was no sin to merely trudge, if he’d trudge with all of his might. When the highway was clear and level he ran with endurance as the old man cheered from the sideline. He never danced alone on a mountaintop. He ran further, dug deeper and fought harder because someone mapped out a path and paved the way. At the end of his days he stood before a mirror and gazing back at him was the reflection of the old man.

Many of our partners have been just like the old man in the story. You have loved Israel in front of your children and grandchildren. You have boldly championed her in the midst of adversity while your children and their children began to echo your words. Maybe you have walked her streets, returned home, gathered your family around you and shared your stories. All the while, burning in your heart has been a yearning to see the generations that follow you grab hold of the same passion you have for Israel. We invite you to invest in a young person you love by sending them to be a part of the Zealous Israel Project. We invite you to leave a legacy.

Once again we find ourselves at a critical time in the history of the world and the Church. And once again, the Lord is extending His hand with an invitation: “Come, follow me.”

The Zealous Israel Project

Dates: August 10, 2015–August 11, 2016
Cost: $6,500.00
Includes:
– Shared accommodation housing
– Groceries
– Medical insurance
– Discipleship excursions (field trips)
– Program study materials
– Public transportation pass
– Complete 11 day tour
Not included:
– Airfare or spending money